Guaranteed Best Practices for Distance Learning

Secondary. Quoted text is from Senate Bill 98 (newly adopted legislation approved alongside the state budget on Monday, June 29, 2020)

For the Student

  • Students will be available and present during the defined Distance Learning school day (8:30 AM-3:00 PM or 7:30 AM-3:00 PM for students with a zero period).

  • Students will earn grades based on student performance and achievement. (Grading will revert back to grading policies prior to the Shelter In Place in the Spring of 2020.).

  • Students will use daily afternoon Academic Time for assigned work and to meet with staff (teachers, counselors, other specialists) for additional support, as needed. Students will need to schedule an appointment to meet with their teacher(s) or may be mandated to meet at teacher request.

  • Students will attend, be actively engaged, and present in all instruction -- either in-person or in Distance Learning.

  • For Distance Learning instruction, students will:

    • use school-appropriate profile icons

    • use their preferred first and last name as their display name

    • turn video on and may blur background for privacy, if needed

    • be properly dressed for school and in a location that is free from distractions that promotes an effective learning environment to the greatest extent possible

    • respond to teacher prompts by talking or using the chat and/or reactions features to demonstrate active listening and engagement

  • Students who do “not participate in Distance Learning on a school day shall be documented as absent for that school day" and are responsible for any work they may miss.

  • Students will adhere to the district/school academic integrity policies and will produce their own work.

  • Students will turn in work on time.

  • Students will complete assigned work which will require additional time beyond the scheduled class periods.

  • Students will contact teachers if they're experiencing issues accessing the instruction/learning, including language barriers, as soon as possible.

  • Students who are experiencing technical difficulties with district technology devices will visit the helpdesk at https://petk12.freshdesk.com/ to review the knowledge base or submit a ticket.

  • Students will use the common learning platforms and Distance Learning Tools.

  • Students will respond to teacher comments/questions in a timely manner and respect teacher availability.


For the Parent

  • Parents will ensure that all contact information in the Aeries Parent Portal is up to date and accurate, especially when there are changes.

  • Parents will participate in Distance-Learning trainings as provided by the district.

  • Parents will ensure that students have a productive workspace free of distractions, to the greatest extent possible.

  • Parents will read and respond to teacher comments/questions in a timely manner and respect teacher availability.

  • Parents will support students with Distance Learning by ensuring that students follow their assigned school schedule, attend all Distance Learning classes, submit all required work, and follow a personal schedule at home that allows for adequate rest.

  • Parents will ensure that student employment does not interfere with the Distance- Learning schedule.

  • Parents will notify the school office to report student absences as soon as possible.

  • For students who are experiencing technical difficulties with district technology devices, parents will direct students to visit the helpdesk at https://petk12.freshdesk.com/ to review the knowledge base or submit a ticket.

  • Parents will support Distance Learning norms and discuss concerns with the teacher or site administrator.

  • Parents of students with disabilities will contact their student's case manager to communicate any concerns/issues and/or when additional support is needed.


For the Teacher

  • Teachers will provide live interaction daily on instructional days "for purposes of instruction, progress monitoring, and maintaining school connectedness.”

  • Teachers will assess student learning that will reflect student work, participation, and performance, and letter grades will be assigned based on student performance and achievement. (Grading will revert back to grading policies prior to the Shelter In Place in the Spring of 2020).

  • Teachers will communicate learning expectations and grading policies with students and families.

  • Teachers will communicate student Distance Learning norms/behaviors.

  • Teachers will provide timely feedback on student performance.

  • Teachers will utilize the required Distance Learning tools.

  • Teacher scope and sequence of the curriculum/standards may be adjusted.


For the District/Administration

  • The District will provide devices and internet connectivity access for each student as needed.

  • The District will provide clear/current communication to families in their preferred language.

  • The District will communicate with all families regarding changes from Distance Learning to in-person instruction, and vice versa, depending on orders from local or state public health officials.

  • The District will provide ongoing support and training for parents and teachers in the tools and protocols of Distance Learning.